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How to Use Live Text in Video on iPhone

Guide 10-15808 · Updated · Step by step

Live Text in video on iPhone lets you pause a video and interact with text that appears in it—copy it, look it up, translate it, call a number, open a website, and more. This guide walks you through the steps to use this feature on your iPhone, what you need, and how to fix common issues.

What You’ll Need

  • An iPhone with iOS 16 or later (Live Text in video requires iOS 16 or later).
  • The video must be playing in an app that supports Live Text, such as Photos, Safari, or the Camera app.
  • Live Text must be enabled in Settings (it is on by default, but check if it isn’t working).

Step-by-Step

  1. Open the video in an app that supports Live Text. This works in the Photos app for videos you’ve recorded or saved, in Safari for videos on websites, and in the Camera app for live previews.
  2. Pause the video at the exact frame where the text you want to interact with is visible. You can scrub the timeline to find the right moment.
  3. Tap and hold on the text in the video frame. After a moment, the text will be highlighted, and a selection menu will appear.
  4. Select the text you want to interact with. Drag the blue handles to adjust the selection if needed.
  5. Choose an action from the menu that appears. Options include Copy, Look Up, Translate, Call, Open Website, Send Message, and more, depending on the content of the text.
  6. For copying, tap Copy, then paste the text anywhere you like, such as in Notes or Messages.
  7. For translating, tap Translate, and the system will translate the selected text into your preferred language (if supported).
  8. For opening a link, if the text is a URL, tap Open Website to jump to that page in Safari.
  9. For calling or messaging, if the text is a phone number or email, tap the corresponding action to initiate a call or compose a message.

Common Mistakes

  • Not pausing the video: Live Text only works when the video is paused. If you tap while the video is playing, it won’t recognize the text.
  • Text is too small or blurry: If the text is not sharp or is too small, Live Text may not detect it. Try zooming in on the video before pausing, or find a clearer frame.
  • Using an unsupported app: Not all video apps support Live Text. If you can’t select text, try playing the video in the Photos app or Safari.
  • Live Text is disabled: Check Settings > General > Language & Region > Live Text. If it’s off, turn it on.

Tips

  • Use the share sheet: After selecting text, you can also tap Share to send it to other apps or save it to Files.
  • Works with handwritten text: Live Text can recognize handwritten text too, as long as it’s legible.
  • Quick actions: If the text is a phone number, you can tap it directly to call or FaceTime. For addresses, you can get directions.
  • Use in Camera: In the Camera app, point at a sign or document, tap the Live Text icon (a rectangle with lines) that appears in the bottom-right corner, and it will detect the text for you to copy or interact with.

Troubleshooting

If Live Text isn’t working in videos, try these steps:

  • Check iOS version: Make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 16 or later. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  • Enable Live Text: Go to Settings > General > Language & Region and ensure Live Text is toggled on.
  • Restart the app: Close the app you’re using (swipe up from the bottom and swipe away the app) and reopen it.
  • Restart your iPhone: A simple restart can fix many glitches.
  • Try a different video: If the video is low resolution or the text is decorative, Live Text may not recognize it. Test with a clear, high-quality video.
  • Reset all settings: As a last resort, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. This won’t delete your data but will reset preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Live Text in video work with any video?

It works with videos that have clear, legible text. It works best with printed or typed text, but can also recognize handwriting if it’s neat.

Can I use Live Text in video on older iPhones?

Yes, as long as the iPhone supports iOS 16 or later. That includes iPhone 8 and newer models.

Does Live Text work in third-party video apps like YouTube?

It depends on the app. Some apps may not support the feature. If it doesn’t work, try playing the video in Safari or downloading it to Photos.

Can I translate text from a video in real-time?

No, you need to pause the video first. Once paused, you can select and translate the text.

Does Live Text work with videos in other languages?

Yes, Live Text supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, and more. The translation feature works with supported languages.

Can I copy text from a video and paste it into another app?

Yes, after selecting the text, tap Copy, then paste it into any app that supports text input.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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